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Here are some recent news involving the Rhoden family:
Objections from the remaining relatives of the slain Rhodens did not directly influence a coroner’s decision to shield the full autopsy reports of the eight slain, the Pike County Coroner David Kessler said in a deposition filed Tuesday in the Ohio Supreme Court.
PHOTOS: Photos: Scenes from Pike County
Two men related to the slain Rhodens were arrested in late January from evidence discovered during the murder investigation. Josh Rhoden, 38, was arrested on a felony charge of drug trafficking, and John McJunkin, 63, on a felony charge of possession of drugs.
More than $8,000 in cash, $7,700 in prescription pills, nine guns and a small amount of marijuana were seized by investigators at the suspects’ homes in Peebles.
» MORE INFO: Pike County sheriff threatens arrests for obstructing investigation
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» Pike County victim not eligible for state funds because of drugs
A request for victim compensation from the brother-in-law of one of the victims has been turned down by the state of Ohio because of evidence of a marijuana growing operation at the crime scene.
David Weisel, brother–in-law to Christopher Rhoden Sr., applied in May 2016 to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to be reimbursed for lost wages.
“Information obtained from law enforcement indicates Mr. Rhoden was operating a large-scale marijuana growing operation on his property with the purpose of distributing the marijuana,” says the state’s response.
“Therefore, while the Attorney General recognizes your loss, the law unfortunately requires that your claim be denied.”
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